Scotland Independence Referendum: 'Social Media Must Not Spread Division After Poll' says Church

A 'yes' and a 'no' supporter debate the Scottish independence issue in Glasgow's George SquareGetty

Voters in Scotland should remove 'yes' and 'no' labels from their social media profiles to promote peace after the Referendum, a senior member of the Scottish church has said.

The Right Reverend John Chalmers, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, called for a campaign of peace following a long campaign which at times threatened to erupt into overt hostility.

Speaking as around 4 million people in Scotland took to the polls on Friday, the Rt Rev Chalmers warned against "strong emotions" which could be unleashed by the result tomorrow.

Appealing for a "sense of unity" after polling day, the top priest said voters should harness social media to promote reconciliation by removing divisive partisan imagery such as the 'Yes' and 'No' labels, which are like digital pin badges on social media photos.

"We are going to make a huge decision for the nation but we are also going to make a huge decision that will impact on individuals," said Rt Rev Chalmers.

"I think that it also takes time to deal with people's emotions after a result like this is announced. It has been a long campaign and it has been intense toward the end and I think people, right now, are apprehensive on both sides because they have invested so much in getting the result they want.

The 72 hours after the polls close today would be vital for the social fabric of Scotland and the rest of Britain, said Rt Rev Chalmers.

The campaign is been largely free of violent incidents, but the result on Friday will leave millions of Scots disappointed, whichever way it goes.

"I think there is a potential and some people will feel bereft – I think that would be the best way to put it – and others will feel elated," said Rt Rev Chalmers.

"Those are strong emotions on either side of the spectrum and, when your neighbour feels differently from you, you need to take some sort of emotional step towards ensuring that that's not lasting ."

A final survey on voting intentions in Scotland gave the No campaign a six point lead over Yes, by 53 per cent to 47 per cent.